The well-liked Embraer 175 regional jet may soon be flown by a new United Express operator.
The plans were revealed this week in a filing with the U.S. Department of Transportation by CommuteAir, which runs flights for United Airlines out of its hubs at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston (IAH), Denver International Airport (DEN), and Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD).
The Embraer 145 is now only flown by the airline, which was originally known as CommutAir, on behalf of United Express.
Trans States Airlines and ExpressJet were the final two E145 carriers with whom United had flying contracts that ended in 2020.
The regional carrier based in Ohio is owned by United to a 40% degree.
CommuteAir informed the DOT that it currently intends to add the 76-seat jets in a restricted capacity.
For the time being, it will just be one plane that will be used for training and "limited charter services."
CommuteAir has been coordinating with the Federal Aviation Administration to add the larger Embraer plane to its operating certificate, according to the filing, which also made that known.
According to the company, submitting to the DOT is a formality that will enable it to operate planes with more than 60 seats.
CommuteAir CEO Rick Hoefling issued a statement in which he said, "We are delighted about this chance to extend and modernize our fleet and look forward to working with the DOT on our application.
The decision made by CommuteAir is hardly surprising given United's regional strategy.
The Chicago-based airline, known as United, unveiled United Next last year. Under this effort, the airline will primarily stop using jets with 50 seats, similar to those used by CommuteAir.
Due to their higher operating expenses and small, crowded cabins, these types of aircraft are unpopular with both airlines and passengers. United's CRJ-550 is an example and offers numerous amenities to passengers, but this is largely because it is a 70-seat jet with 50 seats.
If CommuteAir goes ahead and operates these planes in scheduled service, many passengers will certainly enjoy the comfort of the Embraer 175 small jet.
In fact, some of the nicest domestic first-class seats in the sky are on this aircraft.
Along with Republic Airways, Mesa Airlines, and SkyWest Airlines, CommuteAir would operate Embraer 175s for United Express.
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